Fair and Full Funding for NSW Public Schools
780,000 NSW kids to benefit from new agreement for Fair and Full Funding of Public Schools.
On the 4th March, 2025, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments reached an Agreement to fully and fairly fund New South Wales public schools. As part of the Heads of Agreements signed today, the Federal Government will provide an additional 5 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to New South Wales.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in relation to this agreement that, “this is about investing in real reform with real funding – so all Australian children get the best possible education.”
This will lift the Federal Government's contribution from 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the SRS by 2034 and accompanies New South Wales's election commitment to contribute 75 per cent of the SRS in 2025, two years ahead of the former Liberal National Government.
Estimated at an additional $4.8 billion of Federal funding over 10 years, this represents the biggest ever new investment in New South Wales public schools by the Australian Government.
Federal funding will be tied to the reforms needed to lift education standards across the country, including more individualised support for students, continuing evidence-based teaching practices, and more mental health and wellbeing support for schools.
National targets include improving:
- NAPLAN proficiency levels for reading and numeracy across all year levels.
- The outcomes for priority equity cohorts in NAPLAN results.
- The student attendance rate.
- The engagement rate (completed or still enrolled) of initial teacher education students.
- The proportion of students leaving school with a Year 12 certificate.
This means more help for students and more support for teachers.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said “Every single child in Australia has the right to a quality, free public education and we are proud to work with the Albanese Labor Government to ensure New South Wales schools are fully funded.
"This investment is vital as we work to lift education standards across the state by ensuring there is a qualified, dedicated teacher at the front of the classroom.”
New South Wales Minister Prue Car (Minister for Education and Early Learning), has lead negotiations with the Federal Government since entering office and in announcing the agreement said, “This incredible outcome for public schools will allow us to deliver on the ambitious targets we have set for the public education system in New South Wales.”
